This vagrant woodpecker from Eurasia is strikingly patterned, and unlike any North American species. Upperparts are black, with a large white patch on the scapulars and wing coverts and white barring on the flight feathers. The outer tail feathers are white with black spots. The head and neck are mostly white, with a black crown and nape (males have a red spot on the nape) and a buffy yellow patch on the forehead. A crooked black line runs from the shoulder to the breast, then back across the neck to join the nape. Another black line extends from the bill to join this crooked line. The underparts are dull white, except for the lower belly and undertail coverts, which are red. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with an extensive red crown and pale reddish undertail.